For WORDsearch 5 (WS5) users, the BE platform offers a very user-friendly interface with some advanced search features. And don't worry; the resources you've unlocked in WS5 will work with the upgrade. The interface is easy to learn, and the software provides video tutorials that lead you step by step.

One of my favorite features from BE3 that WS7 includes is the internet community. You can benefit from resources published online by other users as well as a number of discussion groups. And, yes, that means you can publish your own work online quickly and easily with WS7's built in word processor. You can also convert works previously written with other word processors like Microsoft Word.

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Other additional features new to WS5 users worth noting include: 1) the much simpler Library Window replaces the bookshelf which became difficult to navigate as your library grew; 2) the Bible Cross References tool finds every place in your library that discusses a verse. This simplifies the process by not creating an extra step for searching when your bible text window is open. The cross references appear to the right of the bible text window and can be easily navigated. 3) Docking is one of the window management features that will quickly become a favorite. Several books can share a single folder and can be navigated effortlessly with the tabs near the top of the window. 4) Color highlighting will enhance your note-taking capabilities.

Perhaps the best thing about WS7 is its easy to use interface. And the number of resources available is impressive (over 600 volumes). In the area of preaching and pastoral ministry, there are nearly 60 titles. However, if you're looking for a biblical language tool, you'll find WS7 lacking. Granted, biblical languages aren't their concentration, but it would be nice to have more language resources and morphology search tools available for exegesis. But if languages aren't your thing, WS7 will meet and exceed your expectations.

System Requirements: (Since I am reviewing from a Beta version of the software, the following requirements are taken from BE3 from which the WS7 interface is built off of) Compatible with Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP; hard drive space: 40 MB minimum; for Windows 98/ME: 32 MB of RAM minimum, for Windows 2000/XP: 64 MB of RAM minimum; resolution: at least 800x600 with high color; certain features require a modem or Internet connection; CD or DVD drive.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AM Bible Courseware

Partnering with Libronix, AM Bible Courseware (AM) provides learning materials from the Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning Center (www.moody.edu). These courses serve as an excellent opportunity for lay leaders and interested congregants who desire to dig deeper into the Bible and gain additional leadership and ministry skills. The first of its kind, all of the courses have been designed by the faculty and staff of Moody. AM has its own home page within Libronix where information regarding distance learning from Moody and the AM courses are easily accessible. The courses are designed for independent study in Bible and ministry and leadership topics set at the pace of the learner. The readings for the courses contain links that open relevant resources within the Libronix DLS. There are no printed textbooks. Everything you need is provided in Libronix. Quizzes and exams are given with instant feedback to measure comprehension. Upon completion, learners receive a certificate verifying proficiency in a given course.